Atlas V Rocket to Launch NRO Satellite Today

10 April 2014

ULA’s Atlas V rocket and its National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) satellite payload have been rolled out to the launch pad for a second time. Liftoff is scheduled for today at 1:45 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, following the Air Force tracking radar issue that postponed the originally planned launch on 24 March. There is currently a 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for today’s launch attempt. This will be the second flight of this version of the Atlas V known as "541," signifying a five-meter diameter payload fairing, four solid rocket boosters strapped to the first stage and a single engine for the upper stage. (Image Credit: ULA)More Info > (Florida Today)